Back to the lake

Two years ago we returned to our cottage with a sense of renewal - after a challenging six months, Karen was feeling a lot better and going to the lake meant going somewhere that she had never been sick.  For two summers, she maintained that stable health situation and last fall we closed up in the normal way unaware of what lay ahead.

This weekend, we entered that time gap again and returned again to a place where the last six months hadn't happened but of course it was different this time.  Things that have become part of the new normal at home were in our face at the lake....the empty place at the table or the hook with no towel in the bathroom, and of course there was the time spent cleaning up Karen's gardens to allow for the new life starting to grow.  All in all, though it was good to be there, to visit with our summer neighbours, be close to Bob and Cathy, and enjoy some time with Maria and Lisa who were visiting nearby.

The kids had no school Friday so we ventured out together to Super Store (I hate Super Store) and did the annual open the cottage shopping spree (knowing we had to go to that store for the best prices on the supplies we needed).  It was a successful, cooperative trip (which was good for two kids who normally hate grocery shopping) then after Kris' swimming lessen and supper we headed off to the lake.  They were also both a huge help unpacking when we got there then off to bed.  Over the weekend, with the help of our friends, we got most of the opening up routine done, mostly in dry conditions, so things are ready to enjoy when the weather finally cooperates.

The past week was pretty quiet, lots of soccer, a choir audition and the regular stuff - almost anticlimactic actually and the coming week should be fairly calm too - more soccer and Festival of the Arts at school along with the regular work and school.

Thanks to everyone who checks in on us regularly, it really is appreciated.  I hope the posts are keeping you regular readers up to date.

Take care and enjoy your week!
Doug and the gang

Mother's Day

Another day and another one of those "firsts" we will keep encountering.  This one actually turned out to be not too bad.  There was the usual apprehension as the day approached but as with last week, the lead up was worse than the day.  The bonus in it all was that today was the first day in weeks that we could actually sleep in and not have to get going anywhere in the morning and we definitely took advantage of that part to catch up on some sleep and have a relaxing weekend breakfast at home.  We did the cemetery circuit, first to my Mom's then Karen.  I heard somewhere that this day is the busiest one of the year at cemeteries and based on the traffic at the two we visited that seems to be true.  There was a nice service at Karen's and a balloon release and flowers.  There was definitely comfort to be taken from all the other people, both young and old also visiting and taking part.  After we went to Grandma's for supper with the family.

The week was another busy one with it's own ups and downs.  The kids both experienced some cough and cold stuff through the week but seem to be on the mend now.  Kris had his school Spring Concert Thursday which was great and he was the lead guy in the 4 headed monster!  Jen and I attended her art show reception at the local MLA's office Friday, along with Auntie B!  Kris and I did our best to keep from freezing at the Physiofit 5 km run Saturday morning (run can be defined as brisk walking at my age and I still beat some of the 3 km walkers so I figure I did OK!)  Jen completed one of her babysitting course practicum sessions with her favourite babysitter's kids.  The rest of the week was the usual school and work stuff.

That's about it for now - thanks to everyone who has checked in on us this weekend (and throughout the week). It's nice to know you are there for us

Take care and I hope you all remembered your Moms today, wherever they might be

Thanks again for all the love and support!
Doug and the gang

How are we doing?

I've come to the conclusion that there's really no correct answer to that question - we get asked it a lot and you are never quite sure how you are suppose to answer or how your answer is received.  I'll tell you what we've been up to and you can make your own conclusion...

It was a busy and long week but for the most part I think we didn't do too bad.  We returned to work and school on Monday and with the excitement and anticipation of getting back to friends and normal activities that day went well.  After a couple of days with the excitement gone things became a little more subdued.  For me visiting lawyers and filling out forms and the other details to attend to also tended to put a damper on things.

By the weekend, things really ramped up with Jen's season ending choir concerts on Saturday and Kris' birthday on Sunday, along with Sunday School wind up.  Grandma spent the night in order to take everything in and Cathy and Bob and joined us for church.  The birthday party followed and despite lots of apprehension Saturday I think the big guy ended up enjoying his birthday.  There was the noticeable absence and the cake was from Safeway not one of Karen's famous ones but the day was beautiful and we ate outside.  The choir concerts were also wonderful as usual and somehow the artistic director of PTV managed to work in the song Karen and I danced to at our wedding (both Louis Armstrong and PTV are right that It's a Wonderful World and a reminder never hurts).  We were also reminded that in those bittersweet or just bitter moments You've got a Friend.  It's interesting how a concert song list set months ago can include songs so appropriate for the moment....thanks Ruth.

Kris also had his soccer season kick off indoors at the university and now waits a couple of weeks until the fields are dry enough to play outdoors.

I also need to acknowledge all the good folks at the office.  The monthly denim day was turned into a two day deal for April and the proceeds directed to CancerCare in Karen's memory - they raised a crazy amount of money in two days - thanks to all of you for the contributions and everything else you have done and keep doing for me!

One final thank you for this post - I have the good fortune (if you can call it that) of knowing a couple of very good people who are at various stages ahead of me on this path of loosing your spouse in your 40's - I spent a fair bit of time talking to both of them this past week and really appreciate them lending their ears and wisdom - you both know who you are.....thanks!

That's about it for now - we'll continue to post some thoughts and updates so you can keep tabs on how we are doing.  Thanks for caring

Thanks for everything you do for us and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers
Love
Doug